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In the October 2014 Tip of the Month (TOTM), we demonstrated that Gas-Oil-Ratio (GOR) has a large impact on the capacity of crude oil gathering lines. In general as GOR increased the pressure drop increased which lowered the line capacity. In addition, at high pressures and low GOR, pressure drop was lower than the pressure drop for dead oil (solution gas is zero) because the viscosity of live oil is lower than viscosity of dead oil. This effect was bigger for the smaller line diameter. In this TOTM, we will study the impact of solution gas (Rs) on the crude oil properties in the gathering systems for one of the cases presented in the October 2014 TOTM. Specifically, the variation of the crude oil relative density and viscosity with the solution gas (Rs) will be studied. Finally, the impact of solution gas (Rs) on the oil and gas velocity and pressure drop along a gathering line for nominal pressure of 6900 kPag (1000 psig) and nominal pipe size of 101.6 mm (4 inches) will be demonstrated using multiphase rigorous method from a commercial simulator. The calculated properties, oil and gas velocities and pressure drops are presented in graphical format as a function of the oil stock tank volume flow rate and solution gas, Rs [Keep reading]

In the June 2008 Tip of the Month (TOTM), we demonstrated how general-purpose process simulation programs can be used to simulate gas dominated two-phase pipelines. In the August 2008 TOTM, we discussed the value of the simple Flanigan correlation and how it can be used to model and analyze the behavior of a wet gas transmission pipeline. The results of the Flanigan correlation were compared with more rigorous calculation methods for multiphase pipelines. In this TOTM, we will study the impact of gas-oil ratio (GOR) on pressure drop in crude oil gathering systems. Specifically, pressure drop along a gathering line for nominal pressures of 690, 3450, and 6900 kPag (100, 500, and 1000 psig) and nominal pipe size of 101.6 and 152.4 mm (4 and 6 inches) was calculated using multiphase rigorous method from commercial simulator. The calculated pressure drops are presented in graphical format as a function of the oil stock tank volume flow rate and GOR. Variation of thermophysical properties was considered. [Keep reading]

In the October, November, December 2007 and February 2014 Tips of the Month (TOTM), we studied in detail the water phase behaviors of sweet and sour natural gases and acid gas systems. We also evaluated the accuracy of different methods for estimating the water content of sour natural gas and acid gas systems. The water vapor content of natural gases in equilibrium with water is commonly estimated from Figure 6.1 of Campbell book or Figure 20.4 of Gas Processors and Suppliers Association (GPSA), including corrections for the molecular weight (relative density) of gas and salinity of water. In this article, we will present two new correlations for estimating the water content of lean and sweet natural gases. The performance of the proposed correlations is compared with the rigorous simulation and shortcut method software and other correlations. [Keep reading]

PRESS RELEASE -- KATY, TX (September 2, 2014) – PetroSkills announced today that Kevin Lacy has joined PetroSkills as Executive Vice President, Technical Staff and Disciplines. In this role, Mr. Lacy will be responsible for leading and building the PetroSkills technical staff organization into the petroleum industry’s leading source of technical subject matter expertise. Mr. Lacy will also work with the PetroSkills senior leadership team in developing and implementing PetroSkills’ strategy and future business objectives. [Keep reading]

The first pillar of Risk Based Process Safety Management is “Commitment to Process Safety.” A formalized mentoring system can ensure workforce involvement, compliance with company and regulatory requirements, increase the competency of personnel and enhance the process safety culture of the entire organization. Within this element there are several essential features that lead to a more effective process safety culture. Providing strong leadership is critical for any organization that strives to manage the risk associated with the activities associated with process safety. Leadership is a skill that is not necessarily intuitive to managers and mentors. Leadership is a skill that can be learned. In this Tip of the Month (TOTM), we explore process safety leadership. [Keep reading]

Several alkanolamines have been used for acid gas removal from natural gas streams. In this study only a primary monoethanolamine (MEA), a secondary diethanolamine (DEA) and a tertiary methydeithanolamine (MDEA) are considered. MEA has the highest reactivity and MDEA has the highest selectivity. In this TOTM, we will study and compare the performance of these three amines by simulation of a simplified process flow diagram for removal of H2S and CO2 from a sour gas stream. The H2S and CO2 concentration in the sweet gas, amine solution circulation rate, reboiler duty, amine losses, pump power, and lean-rich heat exchanger (HEX) duty are calculated and plotted for a wide range of steam rates needed to regenerate the rich solution. In addition, the optimized steam rate and corresponding design variables are determined and reported. [Keep reading]